Lets first talk about what migraines are. Migraine is a type of headache that can be quite disabling and can last from hours to several days. It is typically associated with nausea and vomiting, light and/or sound sensitivity, and tends to be characterized by throbbing pain on one side of the scalp. Other features may include vision disturbances, numbness or weakness of one part of the body or even vertigo. Migraines can occur several times per week, or once or twice per year.

Migraine headaches affect 12% of the US population and are up to3 times more common in women than in men(up to 6% of men and up to 17% of women have them. Theprevalence of migraines increases up until the age of 39. In a group of women aged 30-39, close to 1 in 4 may have a migraine.

Mechanisms leading to migraines are complex and not fully understood. Scientists believe that migraines result from a malfunction of neurons (nerve cells) that leads to a sequence of changes that lead to migraine symptoms described above. Both genetic and environmental factors are involved in migraines.

When it comes to migraine headaches, there are 2 basic approaches in conventional medicine when it comes to treating the symptoms.

A class of drugs known as triptans (e.g., sumatriptan (Imitrex), rizatriptan (Maxalt), or naratriptan (Amerge)), may be used to abort the symptoms once they start. Non-steroidal anti- inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) may also be used.

Those who have frequent migraines may be on medications for migraine prevention, or even have Botox to help prevent migraines. Some of the oral medications that help prevent migraines include anti-seizure medications such as topiramate (Topamax), beta-blocker medications such as propranolol (Inderal), and anti-depressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil). In 2018, the FDA approved drugs that are calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) antagonists for migraine prevention. More data are needed to know the long term safety of these medications.

While it is important to get migraine symptoms under control, it is just as important to understand the root cause of migraines and identify any possible triggers. Many of my patients migraines are triggered by certain foods, by skipping meals or by alcohol.

Many of my patients find that their migraine frequency increases when they dont sleep well and their stress levels are high. Working with your qualified healthcare practitioner is key in both adequately addressing your symptoms but also identifying triggers, so that you reduce these symptoms and their frequency, or even completely eliminate them.

Prevention is key. Although it may take considerable detective work to understand what triggers your migraines, it is generally easier to prevent a migraine than it is to have to endure the symptoms and treat it.

Here are my top tips:

Here is a list of supplements you may want to ask your provider about, that can help reduce the frequency of migraines:

*Sublingual ginger and feverfew have been found torelieve migraine attacks.

None of the information in this article is a representation or warranty that any particular drug or treatment is safe, appropriate or effective for you, or that any particular healthcare provider is appropriate for you. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking help from a health care provider due to something you have read or seen in this article. Your reading/use of this article does not create in any way a physician-patient relationship, any sort of confidential, fiduciary or professional relationship, or any other special relationship that would give rise to any duties. This article does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, healthcare providers, procedures, or treatments, and if you rely on any of the information provided by this article, you do so solely at your own risk.

Link:
How to Take Charge of Your Migraines - Thrive Global